The Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team has launched its new challenger, the C37, ahead of the 2018 Formula 1 championship.

The C37 looks different to last year’s C36 – on one hand, this is due to the new technical regulations, and on the other hand, because of the team’s new technical approach.

As the 2018 season is about to kick off, Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal, says: “I am very much looking forward to the 2018 season, and to seeing Marcus (Ericsson) and Charles (Leclerc) on track. We have put lots of effort and hard work into the C37 over the last few months, and it is fantastic to be launching the new car today. I am convinced that Marcus and Charles form the perfect driver line-up, with one being an experienced driver and one a promising rookie. Marcus is going into his fourth season with us. He is a valuable part of the team, and we benefit from his experience and precise technical feedback. As for Charles, he has proven his talent in prior categories and deserves to be on the Formula 1 grid this season.”

“Our target ahead of 2018 is clear: We have to catch up with the field and continue improving our performance during the course of the season. We have put lots of energy and commitment into the development of the C37. I want to thank our partners and fans for their continuous support. The return of Alfa Romeo to Formula 1 sets another milestone in the team’s history, and I am proud that such a historical brand has chosen us for their return to the sport. We are eager to start the 2018 season as the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team,” Vasseur continues.

Alfa Romeo’s comeback restores one of the great names that have gone down in the history of motorsport’s premium championship, Formula 1, and marks the return of the “Quadrifoglio”, the legendary badge that has appeared on Alfa Romeo’s top performance cars since 1923, to the circuits. Featured on the engine cover of the new C37, the famous good-luck charm has a fascinating history, deeply rooted in the racing world. The first Alfa Romeo car to carry the Quadrifoglio was the “RL” driven by Ugo Sivocci which won the 15th edition of the Targa Florio in 1923. The same good-luck emblem also appeared on Brilli Peri’s “P2” when he triumphed in the first “Motor Racing World Championship” in Monza in 1925, gaining the first of Alfa Romeo’s five World Titles, and it was present again in 1950 and 1951, when Giuseppe “Nino” Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio drove the Alfa Romeo 158 and 159 cars, the famous “Alfettas”, to success in the first two Formula 1 World Championships. Today, the legendary symbol returns to the highest level of motor racing to show the whole world the continuing strength and success of the Alfa Romeo philosophy, a constant search for excellence applied to racing, then transferred in its entirety to the brand’s production cars. The legend continues.

Jörg Zander, Technical Director, explains: “It is great to finally reveal the C37 today. The 2018 challenger is the result of the hard work that everyone in the factory has put in over the last few months. Speaking about the C37, the car philosophy is much different to that of the C36. The aerodynamic concept has changed significantly, and the C37 has several new features in comparison to its predecessor. We are positive that the new concept offers us more opportunities and will help us to make improvements during the course of the season. The 2018 Ferrari engine will also give us a boost in terms of our performance. We hope that we will make progress with the C37 and that we are more competitive compared to 2017.”

The official rollout of the C37 will take place on the occasion of the first winter tests at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona from the 26th of February to the 1st of March 2018.

Bentley recently added its first new veneer in five years – Liquid Amber – to its collection. This is the luxury British brand’s seventh exclusive veneer, encapsulating its quest for the finest materials and catering to discerning customers in the Middle East and worldwide.

The fact that new veneers are an extremely rare occurrence in Bentley interiors is due to the extraordinary lengths that the brand’s team of expert veneer hunters go to in order to source the finest materials in the world.

Watch the new film documenting the journey the veneer hunters take to bring sustainable, unique and exquisite veneers to Bentley customers at http://www.bentleymedia.com.

Liquid Amber: A Stunning Contemporary Veneer

Liquid Amber is sourced from the American Red Gum – or American Sweet Gum tree – which grows along the rich, moist soils of the Mississippi wetlands in the south-eastern states of America.

The tree’s resin is called Liquid Amber – a reference to its perfumed scent. Bentley sources only the highest quality trees, and harvests the veneer just twice a year due to restricted access across the wetlands on which it grows.

The wood undergoes a natural smoking process, which takes several weeks, to give it a deep, rich brown lustre while maintaining the warm, red hue. The Liquid Amber veneer is then transported 4,500 miles back to the team of experts in the Bentley woodshop in Crewe, where it is examined alongside the six other carefully chosen veneers available exclusively to Bentley customers.

In Pursuit of Perfection – Sourcing the Finest Materials

The seven veneers Bentley offers, including eucalyptus and olive ash, are sourced by Bentley’s own veneer hunters, from countries as far apart as Canada and China.

Bentley only ever uses the finest materials, sourced from the very best species, for its cars. For example, it can take a full week to review 20,000 square metres of walnut material for the burr walnut veneer.

Bentley typically rejects between 30 and 70 percent of veneers offered and all materials must have a high-burr density, minimal sapwood and feature no bark growth or structural defects.

Each raw veneer is cut to a precise 0.6 mm layer, and each bundle of raw veneers must pass rigorous Bentley tests for stability in UV light and consistency from tree to tree. This process takes at least 18 months before the veneer is placed into a car.

Beyond Veneer

Another new material that provides an individual statement of luxury is Bentley’s stone veneer. This innovative interior finish makes a luxurious, contemporary feature of a natural product formed over 200 million years.

The slate and quartzite stone is sustainably sourced from hand-selected quarries in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, India – a nation with an ancient and rich culture of stone masonry.

The sections of stone are split from larger pieces and cured using glass fibre and a bespoke resin. Finally, they are shaped and finished by hand by Bentley’s world-renowned Mulliner coachbuilding team at the company’s headquarters in Crewe, England.

My personal car is a Porsche Cayenne Turbo and although it is time to let it go, my heart will just not allow it and hence I drive a car that is over 12 years old but looks fabulous and drives like a dream. That is the beauty of Porsche – it ages well and when you buy quality, it last longer too.

The latest generation of Porsche’s successful SUV model line is now available in the UAE. After a drive with the new Cayenne amongst the mountains of Oman, I also attended a special event held by Porsche Centre Dubai and Northern Emirates, Al Nabooda Automobiles at their Dubai Showroom, where the Cayenne and Cayenne S were showcased to attending guests.

The new Cayenne is closer to its racetrack roots and offers greater versatility and more performance than ever before. Powerful turbocharged engines, enhanced chassis systems, a range of off-road modes and a sharper design underpin the model’s credentials as a true sports car in its segment. Additional enhancements to the latest generation also include intelligent assistance systems and more connectivity features aimed at offering improved driver and passenger comfort.

I bought my Cayenne because of the design and the new design stays true to the unmistakable identity of the Cayenne but delivers a more streamlined, athletic impression to complement an increased length and lower height.

The pronounced bonnet, redesigned headlight contour and trademark large air intakes underline the Cayenne’s improved driving dynamics from the front. Narrower side windows, a redesigned rear wing, wide rear end with integrated light strip and wider alloy wheels further enhance and emphasise its sports car genes.

The new Cayenne offers a spacious cabin, with several comfort and convenience features throughout. The luggage compartment has been increased by 100 litres, meanwhile the Porsche Advanced Cockpit concept brings the vehicle and the occupants closer through increased connectivity and intuitive controls.

While driving through the mountains in Oman, I drove in different modes selecting between Mud, Gravel, Sand and Rocks settings to adapt to the roads as required. Depending on the selection made, the control unit optimally conditions the engine and chassis systems including the new Tiptronic S, the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel system and the PSM stabilisation programme.
The third generation model range combines powerful and efficient engines with a new, responsive eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox which enhances capabilities thanks to shorter response times and sportier ratios in the lower gears. The six-cylinder turbo engine of the Cayenne delivers 450 Nm of torque and 340 hp, a 40 hp increase on its predecessor. It reaches 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, or just 5.9 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package, and has a top speed of 245 km/h.

The Cayenne S is powered by a 2.9-litre, biturbo-charged V6 engine with 440 hp (an increase of 20 hp) and 550 Nm of torque. It reaches 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds (4.9 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package) and boasts a top speed of 265 km/h.

With its 550 hp biturbo eight-cylinder engine, the Cayenne Turbo is the top model in the new generation and exceeds the engine of its predecessor by 30 hp, while the maximum torque of 770 Nm represents an increase of 20 Nm. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (or 3.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package), and achieves a top speed of 286 km/h.

My favourite was of course the Cayenne Turbo which sets itself apart as the leader of the new generation. It is the first SUV to have an adaptive roof spoiler as part of its active aerodynamics.

A new network of over 18 state-of-the-art charging points will be established to power the convoy of electric vehicles taking part in the 2018 Electric Vehicle Road Trip (EVRT) Middle East.

GreenParking, Global EVRT’s Official Charging Station Partner, will oversee supply and construction of the stations and other essential infrastructure along the 1,217-kilometre drive, taking place from January 18th to January 26th.

The EVRT Middle East event is being made possible through innovative collaborations with private firms such as GreenParking. Car giant, Chevrolet is providing its first electric model in the region, the Chevrolet Bolt EV for the huge road trip and the Sustainable City Dubai will host a huge family fun day to celebrate the end of the trip.

The new charging stations will be set up at key locations in the UAE and Oman, including IHG hotels: Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Crowne Plaza Sohar, Crowne Plaza Muscat, InterContinental Muscat and InterContinental Fujairah, where they will remain as a permanent fixture and expand on the current EV infrastructure to enable more people to make the switch from petrol cars.

Sam Alawiye, CEO of GreenParking said: “The Electric Vehicle Road Trip Middle East is an important step towards bringing zero emission vehicles to the forefront of the public’s attention and our extended charging station network will help to showcase these fantastic cars as sustainable and practical alternatives to petrol vehicles.

“Electric vehicles are the future of transport and they will soon be a common sight on the UAE’s roads. We are delighted to be helping to lay the foundations for a revolution in transport in the Middle East and beyond and delighted to be part of the EVRT Middle East.”

The new stations will be officially opened as the cars taking part in the EVRT Middle East reach the locations in Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah as well as Sohar and Muscat in Oman.

Chevrolet, the Official Electric Vehicle Partner for the EVRT Middle East 2018, will be providing three new Chevrolet Bolt EV models to EVRT Road Trippers offering them a chance to get an exclusive desert test drive a year before it goes on sale in the region.

Gary West, Urban Active Operations Manager, GM International said: “The demand for electric vehicles is expanding globally each year, and the UAE is well positioned to be a strong market for low emission cars thanks to events such as the EVRT Middle East. At Chevrolet, we are proud to bring the Chevrolet Bolt EV to the region, which we know will form the backbone of the electric vehicle fleet.”

Setting off from Abu Dhabi on January 18th, the EVRT Middle East convoy will explore the open roads of the UAE and Oman before stopping at sites of outstanding natural beauty and important sustainable energy projects before reaching its final destination at The Sustainable City in Dubai on January 26th.

The McLaren 570GT is the most luxurious and refined of any McLaren to date with a light, airy cabin upholstered and specified with the highest quality materials throughout. Practical enough for everyday use, the two-seat, mid-enginedsports car 570GT is designed for practicality and comfort, while remaining a true McLaren.

Very few people have the opportunity to possess a McLaren and this alone makes owners’ part of an exclusive club with a wide range of vehicle customisation options and lifestyle experiences.

The McLaren 570GT joins the 570S Coupé and 540C Coupé as the third model in the recently announced Sports Series family. The clean lines of the revised glasshouse give the 570GT a sleek and refined silhouette, and mark out the second of three bodystyles, which will eventually complete the Sports Series.

The standard fixed glass Panoramic Roof provides a bright, open cabin running through to the large rear glass hatch creating the most luxurious and relaxing McLaren driving environment. Craftsmanship throughout the interior of the 570GT are of the highest level, upholstered and specified with quality materials and the latest technologies throughout.

The 570GT is the most practical model ever launched by McLaren Automotive, targeted towards longer journeys and weekends away. Within the spacious and ergonomically-optimised cabin, a pair of eight-way electrically adjustable sports seats are upholstered in leather as standard. The control interfaces for the air conditioning, telephony, navigation and audio systems are managed through the centrally mounted touchscreen.

The panoramic roof adds more light and a sense of space to the interior. The roof glass is treated with 18 percent transmission tint and also features SSF (Sound & Solar Film) to absorb solar radiation while providing additional noise insulation. With the increased glass area of the 570GT, cabin temperatures are regulated and maintained by an enhanced dual-zone air conditioning system, allowing fully automatic and independent settings for passenger and driver.

The front luggage area remains unchanged from the Coupé, providing 150 litres of stowage, while a further 220 litres of space is available behind the seats on the leather-lined Touring Deck. This additional space is accessed via the side opening Glass Hatch offering more storage space.

Refinement and day-to-day usability are further enhanced through the latest tyre technology from McLaren Automotive technical partner, Pirelli. The 570GT features specially developed Pirelli P Zero™ tyres, whichreduce in-cabin road noise by up to three decibels.

As with all models in the Sports Series, the 570GT is extensively equipped throughout with the latest technologies and the highest quality materials. As standard, the new model features extended leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated seats with memory function, front and rear parking sensors, an electric steering column with easy entry and exit function.

Under the skin, the 570GT has been developed with a unique dynamic setup to reflect its positioning, while retaining the supercar levels of engagement experienced on the 570S Coupé. Pure McLaren design and engineering combine to produce a car with breath-taking performance yet increased levels of luxury and refinement.

First introduced on the iconic McLaren F1, and now signature to each of the models in the McLaren Automotive range, the 570GT features distinctive dihedral doors, which open upwards and outwards. A signature McLaren feature, the dihedral doors makes entering and leaving the car as effortless as possible.

Power and torque remain at 570PS (562bhp) and 600 Nm (443lb ft) and power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed seamless-shift transmission with adjustment through Normal, Sport and Track settings to produce one of the most rewarding and engaging driving experiences in the sports car class.

The 570GT is hence a thorough bred sports car designed for the driver who wants a high performance car with elements of luxury and comfort for longer drives.

In constant pursuit of the exquisite, the powerful and the exclusive, Bentley Motors first production of the extraordinary Bentley Bentayga is now a reality. As the catalyst for one of the biggest investment programmes in the company’s history, Bentley’s SUV takes the class to a new level.

Discerning Middle East clients will be delighted to note the vast range of options and opportunities they can personalisein Bentayga while enjoying ground-breaking technology that opens up new experiences in a SUV.

With innovation at its heart, the Bentayga displays unprecedented power, speed and efficiency, setting new standards in the SUV sector. The first production Bentayga, finished in paint colour, Anthracite, was handcrafted across 130 hours.

During the assembly process, the car passed through a new bodystore, a new paint shop and a new assembly line, all part of this substantial investment.

According to Robin Peel, Head of Marketing for MEAI & Asia Pacific, Bentley ‎Motors, the Bentley Bentayga will be the benchmark against which all other SUVs are measured, defining a new segment – the luxury SUV. Robin also mentions that the Bentayga combines unparalleled luxury with effortless ‎performance and everyday ‎usability.‎

Visually, Bentayga is every inch a Bentley. From the distinctive matrix grille and four familiar round headlights to the luxurious materials and attention to detail in the handcrafted cabin interior. Innovative production techniques add to a look that is at once familiar yet sets it apart from other SUVs.

The subtle reinterpretation of the marque’s signature design traits is evident, from the super-formed, ultra sharp powerline to the handcrafted interior. It is the perfect balance between sporting prowess and everything else one would want in a SUV.

Bentley’s Innovative technology completes the experience, connecting the driver and passengers with Bentley’s most advanced, intuitive infotainment and driver assistance technologies. Bentayga clearly leads the way in technological advances at Bentley.

Keeping design in mind, technology in Bentayga has been seamlessly integrated into the vehicle to offer intelligent functionality. The subtle application of this extraordinary technology means you hardly notice it until you need it and the functionality makes every journey more comfortable and satisfying, whether you’re in the driving seat or relaxing as a passenger.

The designers’ vision was to extend the Bentley design values of exquisite materials, exclusivity and individuality, and transport authentic luxury to new landscapes.

The all-new W12 engine is breathtakingly powerful with a top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h). But performance is not just about unadulterated speed. Bentayga can tow up to 3,500kg with consummate ease and takes all kinds of off-road conditions in its stride.

Bentayga is clearly the fastest, most ‎powerful, most ‎luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world.

Rolls-Royce Ghost has proven to be no ordinary power. It has propelled Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to new heights with a less formal, more contemporary and dynamic expression of Rolls-Royce luxury. It has attracted a new generation of clients to Rolls-Royce –the Captains of Industry, entrepreneurs and successful business men and women who are a unique, exclusive group of exceptional achievers who drive success in today’s world. I had the pleasure to drive the car for a few days and it certainly made me feel like Head of State. According to Torsten Muller-Otvos, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is for leaders who know what they want and they go outto achieve it. And then, having accomplished their objectives, they reward themselves with the ultimate symbol of success, a Rolls-Royce Ghost.

The brand has answered clients’ demands for the best in effortless dynamism, modern luxury and industry-leading technology. Clothed in a discreetly updated design that protects the iconic character of a Rolls-Royce, the brand proudly introduces Ghost Series II as an oasis of calm in a frenetic business world.

The Ghost Series II offers the latest technological advances to the growing base of highly successful customers. Since its launch, Ghost has become the ultimate symbol of success for leading entrepreneurs across the globe. Winning critical media and customer acclaim and driving the company to four consecutive historic sales records, Ghost has led a new, younger generation of highly successful men and women to Rolls-Royce ownership; a key pillar in the marque’s highly successful sustainable growth strategy.

In essence, Ghost is a Rolls-Royce that meets its owner’s every need. It is an exquisitely appointed business tool for the business week and an engaging and effortless driving experience for leisure at the weekend. Having driven the car for both reasons, it was a delightfully smooth ride and commanded attention not just on the roads but when parked at hotels and business centres while I attended meetings and press events.

The bold new generation of Rolls-Royce customer seeks a car with a silent assurance – a cosseting, super-premium environment in which to conduct business and augment their leisure time. In Ghost Series II, tradition blends perfectly with this bold, contemporary direction.

An uncompromising approach to materials and craftsmanship remains and traditional visual tenets were re-imagined to express the car’s modernity and dynamism. For example the stately presence of Phantom’s grille made way for a softer, less formal design – its subtle curvature more akin to a jet air-intake than traditional pantheon facia. Flowing ‘yacht lines’ and powerful flanks hint at the car’s inherent dynamism, whilst traditional Rolls-Royce DNA is expressed in the elevated prow, large uninterrupted surfaces, long bonnet and short overhang.

Ghost Series II is the ultimate contemporary combination of luxury, technology and connectivity available to the successful entrepreneur on the move today. It is an oasis of calm in a busy connected world where he or she can do business in peace. It presents the driver and occupants with a comprehensive example of effortless Rolls-Royce connectivity, a network where communication between car, environment and driver helps lower the pulse, ease the journey and delight the occupants.

Key to this is the discreet placement of the car’s technological functions. Accessed through a one-touch call button or the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller, on-board Wi-Fi facilitates email, file sharing, telephony and video-conferencing. The user is also able to watch televised business news in order to remain ahead of the game. Navigation assistance is by the same one-touch call button for wherever the owner wishes to go, with directions that anticipate and avoid unnecessary delays are offered.Information from the significantly updated Multimedia Interface and Navigation system is displayed beautifully on a new 10.25” high definition screen.

In 2014, the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine celebrates her 103rd birthday. More than any other symbol of luxury, the flying lady stands as a genuine icon, one whose beautiful image continues to adorn the grille, but is now also reproduced within Ghost Series II’s cabin depicted below the crystal glass surface of the new rotary controller.

This Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller presents a touch pad with the ability to write characters by finger, as well as the ability to scroll through function menus by turning the chrome dial and pressing down to select its functions.

The Rotary Controller’s touch pad also allows ‘pull and pinch’ features, replicating intuitive smart phone functionality. These help the user pinpoint chosen areas on the screen or help to make them larger. For example, different areas of a map can be found by moving a finger across the touch pad, whilst street resolution can be made larger or smaller by pinching or pulling.

Rolls-Royce employs experts for all aspects of high-end craftsmanship, from hand-painted coach lines to finely tuned audio systems. Finely tuned by expert Rolls-Royce audio engineers and naturally incorporating the finest hardware and latest advances in connectivity, Bespoke Audio is the most exhaustively designed automotive hi-fi system ever developed.

Ensuring perfect acoustic balance and performance was central to the design process of the car. Rolls-Royce’s in-house audio engineers were consulted throughout the design process of the car on the effect proposed changes in the wider design of the car may have on the performance of the system – a practice unparalleled in the automotive world.

Eighteen individually-tuned speakers, with both theatre and studio settings, deliver a pure ‘larger than live’ sensation. Two bass speakers located in the boot complement seven speakers meticulously placed throughout the cabin. Two ‘exciter’ speakers in the roof-lining bring the sound to occupants’ ear level creating a completely unique listening sensation.

iPod and iPad connections allow the importation of music, but also podcast and audio book downloads. Bluetooth audio streaming is an option too, from one of two phones that can be paired with equal functionality.

A number of music searches can be made via the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller, including a “play more like this” function while online Gracenote® access for CDs with hit selection make navigating music collections an effortless experience. But it is the sound quality itself that places Ghost Series II at the pinnacle of in-car audio.

A revised rear seat design ensures absolute comfort for those wishing to conduct business or simply relax. In ‘Lounge seat’ configuration, the seats are gently angled towards each other to create a more intimate setting, allowing passengers to communicate more easily.

The most recent developments in LED lighting technology have also been applied to Ghost Series II. The way this light is managed is significantly enhanced by adaptive technology. Electronically controlled reflectors move in the direction of travel in response to steering-wheel turns to give a greater depth of vision when cornering and a whiter, brighter light ensures effortless and safe driving on dark roads whilst helping reduce driver tiredness.

Ghost Series II’s effortless dynamism is augmented with the addition of Satellite Aided Transmission, a technology that utilises GPS data to allow the car to see beyond what the driver sees, anticipating their next move based on location and driving style.

Ghost presents the perfect blend of driving dynamics and hallmark Rolls-Royce comfort. Ghost Series II customers can specify a Dynamic Driving Package that offers a more involving driving experience with no compromise to ride quality.

The latest head turner I drove on the Dubai roads this month is the Flying Spur V8 S. Taking its place between the Flying Spur V8 and family flagship W12, the new V8 S is tuned in for power and performance, with increased engine output and revised suspension and offered a smooth driving experience.

After driving the Mulsanne a few days before the Flying Spur V8 S, I was ready for a Bentley with more sporting capabilities and the V8 S gave me the spirited drive and adrenaline rush I needed.

A black radiator grille and rear diffuser along with a unique grille insert give the new model a dramatic and purposeful appearance to match its enhanced performance.

My first impression after driving the previous Bentley models was the feeling of more power, sharper handling and increased comfort.

For those wishing to display an even more extreme look, the Flying Spur V8 S can be specified with an array of aggressive, dark styling elements. Dark-tint, black gloss exterior mirror covers and a unique Mulliner Driving Specification 21” black and bright machined six-spoke wheel can all be specified to menacing effect.

With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite craftsmanship and onboard technology, the Flying Spur rightly lays claim to being the world’s finest luxury sedan.

The Flying Spur comes complete with a suite of onboard technology to make it an ideal place for work or relaxation on the move.

An innovative Touch Screen Remote, deployed from the veneered rear centre console at the touch of a button, allows control of the car’s climate and infotainment systems from the comfort of the rear seat, while the optional Multimedia Specification brings an extensive Rear Seat Entertainment system.

The combination of power, performance and economy is the result of an array of advanced technologies employed in the design of the Bentley V8 engine.

With the performance-focussed chassis revisions, the Flying Spur V8 S retains its power combined with the luxurious, limousine-smooth ride and legendary ability to transport passengers in unrivalled comfort.

The new all rounder Audi Q2 is perfect for both city drives and off-road adventure as we find out during an action packed junket in the outskirts of Manama city in Bahrain. We fall in love with the model’s vibrant colours, angular styling, the state of the art technology and the mystery the car projects as it surprises us with its energy and confidence at every turn.

The first part of the car that impressed me was the large luggage compartment which has ample space for shopping, gym and sports accessories and of course shoes. The compact SUV’s low roofline and high window line gives the sporty car a coupe-like look with striking wedge-shaped headlights.

Inside, the all-round visibility is impressive technologies from the full-size class. The driver can use the optional touchpad to scroll through a clearly structured menu, while passengers can surf and stream with smart-phones, tablets and other mobile devices via a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MMI screen is positioned high on the instrument panel as standard.

The driver assistance systems for the Q2 come from the full-size class. Safety is addressed with the standard emergency braking assistant and the car can autonomously maintain a distance to the vehicle ahead, monitor the blind spot and assist in lane keeping. Audi pre sense front uses radar to recognize hazardous situations that can occur with crossing pedestrians or other vehicles in front of the car. The system warns the driver and initiates hard braking if necessary, down to a standstill at low speeds.

The driver gets additional support from the latest-generation park assist.
It can manoeuvre the compact SUV into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. Cross traffic assist rear comes into play when the driver wants to reverse out of a perpendicular parking spot. It monitors the traffic behind the car with its radar sensors.

Audi offers a selection of three engines for the Q2: three TFSI whose power outputs range from 116 hp to 190 hp. The engine program follows the principle of rightsizing. This is about striking the perfect balance between vehicle class, engine displacement, power output, torque and efficiency behaviour in everyday conditions. Engine displacements for the new Audi Q2 are 1.0, 1.4 and 2.0 liters.

The top gasoline engine enables the four-cylinder to realize the fuel economy benefits of a downsizing engine in part-load operation, while offering the benefits of an engine with large displacement at higher loads. This results in excellent efficiency and power behavior over the entire engine speed range.

The 2.0 TFSI come standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The hydraulic multi-plate clutch with its electronic control transfers torque nearly entirely to the front wheels in normal driving, but it can redirect torque in a 50:50 ratio to the rear axle.

This is how the quattro drive unites driving pleasure and driving safety, taking them to a new level. Wheel-selective torque control, an intelligent sub-function of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), rounds out the quattro range of functions. The optional Audi drive select handling system lets the driver select between five modes: auto, comfort, dynamic, efficiency and individual. It influences a variety of vehicle systems, including the steering and gear shift characteristics as well as the optional suspension with adaptive damper control.

Customers also have many ways to express their personal style in the elaborately crafted interior. Colors like yellow, orange and red may be selected for inlays, sections of the seats and contrasting stitching. Inlays are also available in white plastic or brushed aluminum.

Seat upholstery choices range from high-end fabrics to fine Nappa leather. At night, the optional LED lighting package makes the interior especially attractive. In the top version, LED light guides illuminate the sculpted inlays at the front of the instrument panel and the center console with homogeneous light.

Added to the sporty profile of the RS7, the first experience I had behind the wheel reiterated this model’s performance coupled with outstanding efficiency. In other words, the overall impression it left me with after a few days was its supercar performance while it being deceptive with an exterior of a day to day heading to office or meetings type of wheels.

Under the hood of the RS7 is a 4.0 TFSI engine with 605 hp and up to 750 Nm of torque push acceleration (3.7 seconds) nearly to levels usually reserved for supercars. Fuel consumption remains unchanged at 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers, corresponding to 221 g CO2 per km.

The RS high-performance model sprints like supercars from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds over the respective base RS model. With the optional dynamic package, top speed can be increased from 250 to 280 and 305 km/h, respectively.

The actual drive experience was comfortable using the Audi Drive Select with the tiptronic and the optional sport differential. The car easily switches between the auto, comfort and dynamic modes and comes with trend setting technologies.

The elegant and sporty interior of the RS 7 performance offers the seats in the color combination black and blue with the optional RS performance design package. The dial instruments feature black faces, white dials and red needles add to the look and feel.

Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) system makes entertainment, communication and navigation easy and user friendly with a pop-up screen on the dash. If I were to buy this model, I would opt for the Comfort Seating package with massage option “contour” seats.

For the exterior, the most attractive eye catching elements include the sportily designed bumpers, the gloss black honeycomb grille typical of the RS models and the flared side sills. The RS performance-specific exterior also features a quattro logo on the air inlet duct and striking add-on parts in matt titanium look.

Overall, the RS7 comes with the perfect combination of horsepower, ample legroom and boot space, seductive exterior and all the best qualities one looks for when investing in an executive car that thrills and turns heads.